The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts hosts some of the nation’s most nurse-friendly healthcare centers, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Winchester Hospital, and Lowell General Hospital.Positioned among the top five states for the highest average annual salary, Massachusetts proves to be an ideal location for nurses to initiate and advance their careers. This comprehensive guide delves into Massachusetts’s premier nursing programs, elucidating the steps required to obtain a degree, acquire licensure, and secure employment in the state. The exploration encompasses the process of becoming a nurse in Massachusetts, insights into salary and job prospects, and a detailed examination of the state’s best nursing programs.

The Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

Explore the top nursing schools in Massachusetts and identify the programs that align with your goals.

Our Methodology: Utilizing a data-driven approach, we rank the best nursing schools in Massachusetts, streamlining your search for a program that suits your needs. The methodology centers on crucial metrics, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. The data is sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), ensuring accuracy. All information is current as of the article’s publication date, with program-specific details subject to variation.

1 Northeastern University

– Location: Boston, MA
– Duration: 4 years
– Format: Campus
– Overview: Northeastern University, recognized as one of Massachusetts’s premier nursing schools, boasts 16 nursing programs, some offering accelerated formats. The Bouve College of Health Sciences provides a 67-credit BSN degree that can be completed in 16 months. Students can opt for a four-year undergraduate program with two six-month cooperative experiences or a five-year program with three six-month clinical experiences.
– Clinical Placement: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Lahey Clinic
– Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D. in nursing
– Tuition: $56,500 per year (undergraduate)
– Admission Requirements: Vary by degree; transfer students require a minimum 3.0 GPA and completed prerequisites
– Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85% (first-time pass rate)
– Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $70,200 (bachelor’s graduates), $110,878 (graduate school graduates)

2 Boston College

– Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
– Duration: 4 years
– Format: Online + Campus
– Overview: The William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College, established in 1947, features two DNP programs, including one for future nurse anesthetists. The DNP degree in nurse anesthesia can be earned in as few as 36 months of full-time study, incorporating rotations at 3-6 facilities during the third semester.
– Clinical Placement: Boston Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess, Cambridge Hospital
– Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D. in nursing
– Tuition: $2,098 per credit (undergraduate), $1,636 per credit (graduate)
– Admission Requirements: DNP candidates need at least a BSN or MSN, critical care nursing experience, GRE scores, admissions interview
– Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90% (first-time pass rate)
– Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,015 (bachelor’s graduates), $100,439 (graduate school graduates)

3 Endicott College

– Location: Beverly, MA
– Duration: 4 years
– Format: Online + Campus
– Overview: Endicott College, accredited by CCNE, offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs emphasizing community outreach. The BSN degree spans eight semesters (four years) with 126-128 credits, providing extensive clinical experience starting in the sophomore year and culminating in a senior internship under nurse preceptor supervision.
– Service Learning: Opportunities at homeless shelters, immigrant facilities, prison facilities
– Study Abroad: Options in Belize, Iceland, or Scotland in junior year
– Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D. in nursing
– Tuition: $36,926 per year (undergraduate), $845 per credit (MSN), $5,853 per credit (Ph.D. nursing)
– Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA, SAT or ACT scores
– Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91% (first-time pass rate)
– Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,079 (bachelor’s graduates)

4 University of Massachusetts-Amherst

– Location: Amherst, MA
– Duration: 4 years
– Format: Online + Campus
– Overview: The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass Amherst offers undergraduate and graduate programs, featuring an MSN degree emphasizing nursing education. MSN program includes 11 courses (32 credits) with two practicums, providing direct patient care and classroom/health education department experience.
– Additional Programs: Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, fully online DNP, Ph.D. in nursing, certificates in nursing education, Spanish and nursing health, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
– Tuition: $7,895 per semester (undergraduate in-state), $18,158 (undergraduate out-of-state), $2,081 per credit (in-state graduate), $4,103 per credit (out-of-state graduate)
– Admission Requirements: Vary by degree; MSN candidates need a BSN or associate in nursing degree and a bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, current RN license
– Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89% (first-time pass rate)
– Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,647 (bachelor’s graduates), $97,071 (doctoral graduates)

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5 College of Our Lady of the Elms

– Location: Chicopee, MA
– Duration: 4 years
– Format: Online + Campus
– Overview: The private Catholic College of Our Lady of the Elms, established in 1928, offers a fully online MSN degree with tracks in nursing and health services management, nursing education, school nursing, or a dual master’s in business administration degree. Graduation in 2-3 years with self-paced course options.
– Learning Facilities: 22,000-square-foot Lyons Center stimulation site, clinical placements, caRe vaN for outreach to underserved communities
– Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
– Tuition: $37,605 per year (undergraduate), $905 per credit (MSN), $880-$950 per credit (DNP)
– Admission Requirements: Vary by degree and track; MSN candidates need a BSN, current RN license, minimum

3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, resume, writing sample
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97% (first-time pass rate)
– Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,410 (bachelor’s graduates)

6 Emmanuel College

– Location: Boston, MA
– Duration: 4 years
– Format: Online + Campus
– Overview: Emmanuel College’s Mauren Murphy Wilkens School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences provides distinguished undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in Massachusetts, including a fully online MSN degree for current RNs and BSN degree holders.
– MSN Program: 30-credit online program with tracks in education or administration, covering topics such as research and ethics in nursing, human diversity, policy, pathophysiology, and a practicum.
– Tuition: $350 per year (RN-to-BSN), $860 per credit (MSN and graduate certificate)
– Admission Requirements: Vary by degree; MSN candidates need two letters of recommendation, minimum 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, BSN degree from an accredited program, resume, 500-word resume, current RN license
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,883 (bachelor’s graduates)

This detailed overview provides valuable insights into Massachusetts’s top nursing schools, facilitating informed decisions for aspiring nurses seeking the best educational paths.

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Massachusetts

When choosing a nursing program in Massachusetts, prospective students should carefully evaluate factors aligned with their academic and professional objectives. Simplifying the decision-making process involves thorough research into tuition fees, program duration, and the availability of financial aid options for nursing students.

Ensure that the chosen nursing institution holds accreditation, and scrutinize their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) scores and graduation rates. These metrics serve as indicators of program quality.

Why Become a Nurse in Massachusetts

Nurses in Massachusetts benefit from some of the highest average salaries in the United States. Licensed practical nurses, registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) collectively earn salaries surpassing 90% of the national average.

Massachusetts is also in the process of becoming a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. This designation would allow Massachusetts nurses to obtain a license in another NLC state with minimal paperwork. The NLC involves adherence to a set of standardized rules and procedures, a pact already embraced by 37 states.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Massachusetts

Registered Nurses (RNs) in Massachusetts enjoy an impressive average annual salary of $96,250, ranking third nationally after Hawaii ($104,830) and California ($120,560). Nurse practitioners in the state also command a substantial average annual salary of $126,050, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

While the higher salaries are advantageous, it’s essential to consider the cost of living in Massachusetts, which ranks as the fifth most expensive state. This higher income helps offset the elevated cost of living.

The demand for nurses in Massachusetts is expected to grow, with a projected 8.2% employment increase from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. However, it’s important to note that projections may be influenced by the impact of COVID-19.

Geographically, the highest-paying cities for nurses in Massachusetts are situated in densely populated areas close to the Massachusetts Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The western part of the state, being less populated, tends to offer slightly lower salaries.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Massachusetts

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Average Salary for RNs
Boston — Cambridge — Nashua	$99,410
Leominster — Gardner	$89,370
Worcester	$88,470
Barnstable Town	$88,210
Springfield	$82,540

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Massachusetts

To become a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Massachusetts, aspiring nurses must complete a state-board approved nursing program. After meeting academic requirements, they need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to apply for their license.

Both RNs and APRNs must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses and practice as nurses in the state.

RN Requirements

Becoming an RN in Massachusetts involves graduating from an accredited nursing program with either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Prospective nurses are also required to undergo a one-time training and education course on the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and dementia before obtaining their RN license. After completion, they must pass the NCLEX-RN and submit a licensure application to the state.

RNs need to complete 15 contact hours and renew their license no later than their birthday in even-numbered years. The initial application fee is $275, and the renewal fee is $120. All necessary materials are available online through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

APRN Requirements

To become an APRN, nurses must possess an unencumbered RN license in the state. They should earn a master of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice, with coursework covering advanced topics such as pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, and pharmacotherapeutics. Graduates then undergo a national certification exam recognized by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and apply for licensure. The application fee is $150, and the APRN renewal fee is $180.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Massachusetts

1. How long does it take to become an RN in Massachusetts?

Prospective nurses in Massachusetts must earn an ADN or a BSN before applying for RN licensure. An associate degree typically takes around two years to complete, while some nursing schools offer ADN-to-BSN bridge programs for those aiming for a bachelor’s degree.

2. How do I become an RN in Massachusetts?

To become an RN in Massachusetts, aspiring nurses must graduate from a state-approved, accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and submit a licensure application to the state.

3. What is the salary range for nurses in Massachusetts?

According to the BLS, salaries for nurses in Massachusetts range from $73,310 (bottom 25th percentile) to $117,310 (top 75th percentile). Compared to the national average, RNs in Massachusetts rank third in annual salary at $96,250, while nurse practitioners rank fifth, earning $126,050.

4. How much is nursing school in Massachusetts?

The cost of nursing school in Massachusetts varies based on factors such as location and degree type. Tuition costs can range from lower rates, such as $11,380 per year at Framingham State University, to higher rates, such as $35,764 per year at Endicott College.